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UW-W Volleyball Punches Ticket to Final 8 with Sweet 16 Sweep
By Angela Kelm
Aast Athletics Director for Sports Information
Whitewater, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater volleyball team punched its ticket to Salem with a sweep in the Sweet 16 over UW-Platteville 3-0 (25-15, 25-15, 25-19) Saturday evening in Russell Arena.
The NCAA Division III Volleyball Championship will be held at the Cregger Center in Salem, Virginia beginning with quarterfinal matchups on December 4. The championship match is slated for December 7.
It was a memorable night in Russell Arena Saturday as the Warhawks dominated to hoist the Regional Championship trophy. UWW hit .337 in the match while holding the Pioneers to just .085 – much to the credit of the Warhawks’ huge block. UW-Whitewater registered 15 blocks in the contest compared to just 3 for UWP.
The defensive prowess at the net was a factor from the opening serve. UWW rattled off the first seven points of the match with Chloe Werner and Abbie Dix teaming up for a block and Jenna Weinfurt hammering down a pair of kills in the run. The Pioneers narrowed the gap to three, 14-11, but that’s as close as UWW would allow. A four-point run late handed the Warhawks their largest lead of the set, 22-13. A three-point spurt sealed set one as Alayna Jansky tallied a kill on each side of a Werner/Hannah Proctor block.
Set two went back-and-forth until UW-Whitewater ran off five straight to open up a 10-4 advantage. Werner and Proctor turned away a pair of Pioneer attack attempts in the run. From that point, UWW cruised to a 2-0 advantage in the match.
A massive triple block opened and put the finishing touches on set three. Werner, Weinfurt and Dix created a wall for the bookend blocks to send the Warhawks into the Final 8.
Jansky and Werner paced UWW offensively with 10 kills each. Weinfurt added nine and Proctor posted eight. True to form, the blocking stats were impressive Saturday — Werner tallied nine, Dix had eight, Proctor added five while Weinfurt and Krzus each had three.
Jaedynn Evans led UWW in the digs column with 13 while Jansky added 12. Krzus registered 35 assists adding three kills on the night.
Following the conclusion of the match, Dix was named the Most Outstanding Player of the regional. Krzus and Jansky were also selected to the 2024 NCAA Volleyball Whitewater Regional All-Tournament Team.
It’s no surprise that UW-Whitewater’s block was one of the main components of the regional … after all matches have gone final across all regionals, the Warhawks remain atop the national rankings with a jaw-dropping 3.14 blocks per set – the next closest in Division III is 2.85 per set. In regional action alone, UWW averaged an incredible 4.83 blocks per set. Dix became the nation’s top blocker along the way, averaging 1.59 per set. That mark ballooned to 2.67 per set in the three regional matches.
The Warhawks are one of two Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference programs to advance this weekend as UW-Oshkosh will also compete in Salem. The other six teams include Hope, Johns Hopkins, Emory, Washington & Lee, La Verne and Juniata. The Final 8 are re-seeded after the completion of all regional rounds.
UW-Whitewater is no stranger to the postseason as the Warhawks are amid their 35th appearance in the national tournament. UWW has won two national titles, finished as the national runner-up three times, placed third twice and fourth once along the way. This will be the first appearance for the Warhawks in the Final 8 since 2007.
More information on the national championship will be posted next week.
Walworth County Veterans Service Officer to Resign
Nathan M. Bond, Lt Col. US Army Retired, has announced his resignation as Walworth County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) at the end of January 2025. Bond has served in this vital role since July 2016, following confirmation of his appointment by the Walworth County Board of Supervisors. He began his tenure with Walworth County on March 3, 2014, as the Veterans Service Specialist.
During his time as CVSO, Bond was instrumental in providing assistance, advice, and advocacy for veterans and their families throughout the county. His commitment to improving the lives of veterans has left a lasting impact on the community, ensuring that those who have served our nation receive the support and resources they need.
Bond is stepping down from his position to pursue Command of The Wisconsin American Legion, where he aims to continue his dedication to serving veterans at a broader level.
“I am pleased with the work we have accomplished in Walworth County to support our veterans and their families,” says Bond. “It has been an honor to serve as CVSO and advocate for those who have sacrificed so much for our country. I look forward to taking on new challenges with The Wisconsin American Legion and continuing my mission to serve veterans.”
Walworth County thanks Colonel Bond for his service and unwavering commitment to veterans. His leadership and advocacy have made a significant difference in the lives of many, and he will be greatly missed.
For more information or inquiries, please contact the Walworth County Veterans Service Office at (262) 741-4222.
WHS Players “White Christmas” Final Performance – Sunday @ 1 pm
The final performance of “White Christmas” is on Sunday at 1 pm, James M. Stewart Auditorium at the high school.
General tickets ($7 for students and $10 for adults) are available at the box office one hour before the performance.
The WHS Players production showcases the talents of a cast of 30, a crew of 18, and a live band of 11.
Before the curtain opening, Tom Ganser’s photos of the WHS Players productions of “Footloose” (2021), “Beauty and the Beast” (2022), and “Mean Girls” (2023) will be shown.
UW-W Dept. of Music Presents Annual Gala Concert
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Music invites the community to its highly anticipated Annual Gala Concert on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at The Young, 930 W. Main Street. This cherished holiday tradition showcases the extraordinary talents of nearly every student ensemble in the department, offering an evening of festive music and celebration.
The festivities begin with pre-concert performances at 6:45 p.m., as small ensembles fill the building with joyous sounds. The main concert will follow at 7:30 p.m., featuring dynamic performances from large ensembles that promise to inspire and delight audiences of all ages. Adding to the charm, small ensembles will continue to perform throughout the venue during intermission and after the concert.
All proceeds from this special event support the Department of Music Scholarship Fund, helping to nurture the next generation of musicians.
Tickets ($30 for adults, $25 for those age 65+, $20 for under age 18) are now available and can be purchased in advance by calling 262-472-2222 or visiting tickets.uww.edu. There is a $2 surcharge for tickets purchased at the door.
Don’t miss this magical evening filled with music, community, and the holiday spirit. Join us at The Young, UW-Whitewater’s performing arts center, to celebrate the season and support the arts!
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
- Location: The Young, UW-Whitewater
- Pre-Concert Ensembles: 6:45 p.m.
- Main Concert: 7:30 p.m.
- Tickets: Call 262-472-2222 or visit tickets.uww.edu
For additional information, or to make a donation to the Department of Music Scholarship Fund please visit uww.edu/coac/gala-benefit-concert.
Walworth County Seeks Public Input on Transportation Services
Walworth County is seeking input about its transportation services to better meet community needs. Residents are invited to participate in a brief, five-minute survey to provide feedback on the County’s Wal-to-Wal Dial-a-Ride Shared-Ride Taxi and Walworth County Specialized Transportation services.
“This is an exciting time for our transportation services, and we want to ensure we’re offering options that truly benefit our residents,” says Walworth County Mobility Program Manager Gene Bobier. “Residents’ feedback will be invaluable as we work to enhance and expand the transportation options we provide.”
To thank participants for their time, Walworth County is offering the chance to win a $25 Kwik Trip gift card. The survey can be accessed at https://bit.ly/WalCoTransportation.
Walworth County transportation services are vital resources for residents of all ages, and this initiative aims to ensure these programs continue to meet the evolving needs of the community. To learn more about Walworth County transportation services, please visit www.wal-to-wal.com.
No. 6 UW-W Volleyball Secures Spot in Third Straight NCAA Regional Championship
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Whitewater, Wis. — The No. 6 UW-Whitewater volleyball team secured their spot in the regional championship match for the third consecutive season Friday night. The Warhawks swept league-foe UW-Eau Claire 3-0 (25-12, 25-23, 25-21) to advance to the title match.
The regional championship will be another Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference showdown as UW-Platteville took down Washington University in St. Louis in the first match Friday to advance. The Pioneers will make their second appearance in the regional championship in program history while the Warhawks will make their seventh under Head Coach Stacy Boudreau as the teams square off Saturday at 5 PM in Russell Arena. The first 100 UW-Whitewater students (with ID) will get in free to tomorrow evening’s regional championship match. Doors open at 4 PM.
The Warhawks were dominant early in Friday’s match against the Blugolds. Like much of the season, the UWW block provided a huge advantage for the Warhawks and continuously swayed momentum in Whitewater’s favor.
A six-point run for UWW midset gave the Warhawks a 17-9 lead. Three blocks bolstered that run and led to a lopsided first set win.
UW-Whitewater jumped out to a 7-1 lead in set two, but the Blugolds whittled away at the margin making it a battle late. UW-Eau Claire rattled off four in a row to knot the set at 21-21. The squads traded points with ties at 22-22 and 23-23. A Blugold service error gave UWW set point. Aubrie Krzus registered one of her six kills to cap the set and give UW-Whitewater a 2-0 lead in the match.
The Blugolds held an early lead in set three until a four-point run for UWW gave the Warhawks a 20-17 advantage. The last three points of that run came on blocks for UWW – Chloe Werner and Abbie Dix tallied the bookend blocks while Dix teamed with Jenna Weinfurt for the second of the run.
A few points later, with UWW leading 22-19, Dix and Krzus turned away a Blugold attack attempt. The defensive powerhouses at the net made it back-to-back blocks on the next rally for match point. UWEC pushed for an additional match point before Alayna Jansky punched UW-Whitewater ticket to the title match with a kill.
Janky led UWW offensively with nine kills. Defense was the difference as Dix posted nine blocks in the contest. Krzus added five blocks to her six kills without an attack error and 26 assists. Werner registered four blocks, a mark that Weinfurt matched.
Jaedynn Evans posted 19 digs with Ally Longden adding 13. At the service line, Weinfurt and Emma Bludgen each tallied a pair of aces.
Seniors in the Park Presents The Magic Flute
“The Magic Flute”
Tuesday, November 26, 1 pm
(Opera/Mozart/Musical) Rated PG
1 hour, 55 minutes (2022).
Now for something completely different!
A modern retelling of Mozart’s world famous opera, featuring F. Murray Abraham.
Come for the music, stay for the story, costumes and The Magic Flute. A quietly beautiful, fantasy of a film!
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
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Person Found Deceased in Local House Fire
According to a press release from Chief Kelly Freeman of the Whitewater Fire and EMS Department, a person was found deceased in a house where a fire had taken place on Ventura Lane on the city’s west side on November 21. The department responded in just over four minutes from the time of dispatch to a report of smoke, finding an odor of smoke about the property and heavily soot stained windows.
Per the release, “Whitewater Engine 121 made entry into the single-family home and reported smoke conditions inside. An area of the home containing general household goods and materials was found burned and charred, but had almost completely self-extinguished prior to the arrival of firefighters. Engine 121 initiated a rapid primary search and located one person deceased in the home. Walworth County Fire Investigation was called to assist with a fire origin and cause investigation, which is ongoing. Whitewater Police Department is handling the death investigation in conjunction with the Walworth Country Medical Examiner. This investigation is also ongoing. Whitewater Fire/EMS will not be releasing any further details due to the ongoing investigation, and notification of next of kin.”
Whitewater Fire and EMS extended gratitude to the Walworth County Fire Investigation Team and Whitewater Police Department for their assistance.
Local Resident Crowned United States of America’s Miss Wisconsin 2025
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA PAGEANTS is proud to announce Sage Spear of Whitewater has been crowned as United States of America’s Miss Wisconsin 2025 and will represent the great state of Wisconsin at the 2025 national competition.
Sage, a Whitewater native, has made significant strides in both volunteerism and scoliosis awareness. She received the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award for completing over 250 hours of community service within the past year. She actively works to raise awareness and provide support for those affected by scoliosis—a condition she personally faces after being diagnosed at age 11. Sage’s passion for advocacy inspired her to create Every Stem Has a Story, a platform dedicated to funding scoliosis research and spreading awareness. Through her initiative, she illustrated and self-published a coloring book and designed a sweatshirt to promote her cause.
In addition to her advocacy work, Sage serves as an AmeriCorps member with the United Way of Jefferson & N. Walworth Counties. In this role, she recently organized a free community baby shower, providing over 8,000 essential items to families in need. Alongside her service work, Sage is the office manager at her family’s local business, Aropa Designs. In her free time, she enjoys watching football, spending time outdoors, and listening to true crime podcasts. Her family is proud to support her as she competes against inspiring women from across the nation, striving to bring home the title of United States of America’s Miss 2026!
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA PAGEANTS is the fastest growing pageant system in the nation and was named in the TOP 10 BEST National Pageants of 2019, 2020, 2021, & 2022 by the Pageant Planet! The pageant is designed to encourage women to strive to achieve their hopes, dreams, goals, and aspirations, while making them feel confident and beautiful inside and out! Our motto is to EMPOWER women, INSPIRE others, & UPLIFT everyone! We focus on women empowerment, promoting positive self-image and advocating a platform of community service, which allows our contestants to rise by lifting others. Additionally, we award thousands of dollars in prizes and provide countless opportunities to achieve success including an opportunity to be considered for a modeling contract with MMG!